In Week 10 of the 2025-26 NFL season, the Detroit Lions visited the Washington Commanders, and it quickly became apparent to fans, analysts, and insiders that a significant coaching change had occurred within the Lions organization.
Now, head coach Dan Campbell has weighed in on the shift.
Dan Campbell Reportedly Takes Over Lions’ Offensive Play Calling
At the start of the Week 10 matchup, it was revealed that Campbell had a play-calling sheet in hand and was actively calling plays himself.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported before Campbell commented, “Lions HC Dan Campbell has a play sheet and is doing the talking into the headset in between plays. Lots of indications of a disconnect between OC John Morton and the players and coaches. Campbell appears to have taken over offensive play calling, which he indicated was possible.”
Ian Rapoport, also of NFL Network, reposted Garafolo, adding, “Fascinating. Dan Campbell called plays early on on [sic] his tenure, as well.”
At the time of this report, the game was still underway, but the Lions had already scored over 40 points, with three touchdowns credited to running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
At halftime, Megan Olivi asked Campbell about the decision, and he responded:
“It’s just a changeup. We wanted to mix things up,” Campbell said.
Dan Campbell to FOX sideline reporter @MeganOlivi at halftime on what appears to be him taking over offensive play calling today: “It’s just a changeup. We wanted to mix things up.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 9, 2025
This adjustment followed a Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, in which the offense, then led by coordinator John Morton, scored 24 points at home but still fell short. Even the Vikings’ second-year quarterback playfully poked fun at Campbell after that win.
Over their last three games, the Lions averaged 21.7 points (16th in that span), 327 total yards (16th), 109 rushing yards (17th), and 218 passing yards (14th). Additionally, they were 1-2 in those games. Despite that stretch, the Lions are still tied for the eighth-best PFSN Offense Impact grade at 80.8. Those figures mark a notable departure from the Lions’ performance in prior seasons and earlier this year.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if the Lions and Campbell continue this approach. The offense has already scored more than 40 points, averaged nearly nine yards per play, and gained over 530 total yards.
It’s also notable that this is Detroit’s first season without now-Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson serving as their offensive coordinator since 2022.
Fans will be watching to see if Campbell keeps the play sheet in hand when the Lions travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11.
